Owners of certain Kia models now can control a number of vehicle functions—such as start and stop the engine and heat or cool their cars, depending on model and model year—using simple voice commands from the comfort of their home with ALEXA. Called UVO Skill, the system also allows owners to lock doors, sound the horn and flash the lights, and start and stop charging their plug-in or electric vehicle whenever they choose. All that’s needed is a device with Amazon Alexa like Echo or Echo Dot and one of the following Kia vehicles with compatible UVO hardware: Niro PHEV, Soul EV, Optima PHEV and K900. UVO Skill set-up is easy via the Alexa companion app.

“We constantly strive to find new ways to make our vehicles more user-friendly,” says Orth Hedrick, Kia Motors America vice president, planning & strategy, “The UVO Skill for Alexa makes it easier and more convenient for owners of compatible Kias to use their vehicles. The UVO Skill is one more enhanced feature that reflects Kia’s forward-thinking spirit.”

Next, the 2018 KIA STINGER has been named one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Car Interiors under $50,000 for 2018. The honor is just the latest accolade in a long string of acknowledgments for Stinger as it continues to redefine the sport sedan segment previously occupied by much more expensive offerings from Germany. Taking into account the amount of time today’s drivers spend in their vehicles, Autotrader’s list aims to help shoppers go beyond the sheet metal and selects cars that make transit more enjoyable through thoughtfully laid out, comfortable and spacious interiors.

Brimming with power, passion and performance, the 2018 Kia Stinger is a sport sedan dedicated to the thrill of driving while cossetting occupants in luxury. A strong horizontal plane across the dash presents the driver with a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. Occupants feel a sense of intimacy balanced by warm and inviting available multi-color LED ambient lights that softly illuminate the interior.

A finely appointed interior coupled with standout performance makes Stinger the perfect companion for road trips, running errands or a daily commute. Generous space for passengers and luggage add to Stinger’s appeal.

“What’s on the inside of a car is arguably as important as what’s on the outside, since drivers and passengers spend all their travel time here,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. “The Kia Stinger’s interior offers a great-looking cabin with upscale materials and intuitive controls. There's also a surprising amount of rear-seat room for a sport sedan -- and we're impressed with the impressive quality of the door panels, which is something you’d typically find in a more expensive vehicle.”

Finally, with a funky look, unique personality, and a little help from a trio of music-loving hamsters, the KIA SOUL—a phenomenon since bursting onto the scene in 2009—has passed its one-millionth sale in the U.S.!

As the first production vehicle in Kia’s design-led transformation under the watchful eye of president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, the one-of-a-kind urban runabout has stood out from the crowd and provided a fun and funky approach to everyday driving since we got our original look at it.

“When the Soul first arrived in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but the Soul’s ongoing popularity and influence on pop-culture has taken the Kia brand to places we could only dream of back then,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer of Kia Motors America. “From the beginning, the Soul has attracted new customers to the Kia brand by projecting the kind of individuality and optimism that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart, and with Kia’s overall U.S. sales climbing nearly 150-percent since Soul entered the lineup, its impact cannot be overstated.”

In addition to confidently standing out on the road, the Soul success story also includes some of the most memorable and effective automotive advertising of all-time. Cruising in a Soul, Kia’s posse of hamsters have always brought people together through music, dance and positivity while tapping their paws to a popular playlist. ” Over the years, the hamsters have become advertising legends with the 2011 spot generating more than 20 million online views alone. In addition, the hamsters were recognized by the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame and named the first-ever "Rookie of the Year" after being chosen the "Automotive Ad of the Year" for two straight years by Nielsen Automotive.

WE have the all-new Stinger now in stock at Barnett Kia. Drive one for a little as $299 a month for 36 months*. Lease a 2018 Kia Soul starting at $119 a month for 24 months** or by as low as $14,999. Ask us for details or click here. You’ll also find our other current special offers and deals.

And remember, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!

Must take delivery from retail stock by 4/30/18. Security deposit waived. Includes all available rebates to dealer. For qualified leasees. Lease from Kia Motors Finance on approved credit. Does not include military discounts. $2,999 down plus first month’s payment, tax, title, license, and fees due at signing. *Stinger 10,000 miles per year. **Soul 12,000 miles per year.